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Cost of Living in San Carlos

San Carlos, California, United States · Population 29,614

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in San Carlos

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Carlos is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Carlos

San Carlos vs New YorkSan Carlos vs Los AngelesSan Carlos vs ChicagoSan Carlos vs MiamiSan Carlos vs HoustonSan Carlos vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Belmont

3 km away · California

Redwood City

4 km away · California

North Fair Oaks

6 km away · California

Foster City

6 km away · California

San Mateo

7 km away · California

Menlo Park

9 km away · California

Hillsborough

10 km away · California

Stanford

12 km away · California

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in San Carlos

San Carlos is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in San Carlos is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Carlos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in San Carlos including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Carlos?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Carlos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Carlos is $3,510.
How much is rent in San Carlos?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is San Carlos cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — San Carlos is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in San Carlos?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in San Carlos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in San Carlos compare?
A monthly public transport pass in San Carlos is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for San Carlos are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 29,614). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.